My Last Trip

Inwardly, although showing a “brave” face, I was extremely bored with my life.

The daily routine and schoolroom activities were burdensome. I tried to function in different activities around the community, church and in school. Nevertheless, there was a wide vacuum inside me.

I was on my last trip in life. Forty-five years old already. Still in my blessed singleness, so to speak.

A school principal suggested I enter the convent for the nuns if I don’t want to be married. But I was not religious to be a nun. Everyone tried to introduce me to an old bachelor friend or uncle, a widower, and anyone who was single. Maybe even to a tomcat if it was single.

Family members and friends were worried I lived alone. I would have a lonely life with no one to take care of me when I am sick. This was their personal opinion, of course.

With a “brave” charming face I told them I was contented and happy as I am. I was a diligent and vivacious teacher-clerk in a big and progressive primary school. I had been in the school for almost 15 years as a clerk and a schoolroom teacher.

Then, out of the blue a handsome debonair arrived in my life. Single! Been alone for a long time and took interest in this slim but lovable lady. Or so he declared.

Naturally, friends and relatives were excited. They convinced and persuaded me to accept him. I had to take the opportunity before I missed the last trip.

He proposed earnestly. I could still do the things I was doing here in my country in his country, Australia.

He could even help and join me, as he was enjoying the different activities and rules I had around the community and church.

I informed him I had never been married nor had any relationship with a guy.

I had never been in love.

It did not matter to him. He was very fond of me and would really want to marry me regardless.

I had to think hard and make a decision. A quick one!

His visa was only for 55 days and he would like to take me with him. He reckoned we were meant for each other. We went to the same church and we served the same God. There was no impediment for us to get married.

Except that I was gainfully employed in a public school with only one subject to teach and only four hours in the office as a school clerk.

It was a tremendous decision to make. A huge U TURN!

We went to the Australian Embassy and to our Department of Foreign Affairs to apply for marriage. He bought an airline ticket for me and off we travelled to Sydney then to his hometown of Casino, New South Wales.

I praised and thanked God for my ‘good fortune’.

Or so I thought.

A few weeks in his town, my life was turned upside down. There was a wide cultural shock in everything. From clothes, foods, language and customs.

We nearly created a third world war.

We misunderstood one another by our words. We meant courteous and kind words but we ended being hurt, insulted or rejected. Too much rejections and resentments.

Fortunately for us we both liked our church and minister. After six months of counselling, we lived harmoniously and lovingly for almost twenty years before he was promoted to glory.

12
Comments

Agnes

Sorry Linda. I am still confusing you. " Promoted to glory" is a biblical term for those who died. He died 12 years ago. " missed the boat" means I missed my chance to be married.

Agnes

You're great Hannah Javier to give me that delightful comment. Surely God has wonderful things prepared for you in the future. He promises that to people who have faith and trust in Him. Our Father Almighty is our destiny and future.
I thank God for His sense of humour. He gave me only 55 days to make a decision.
No time to weigh the pros and cons.

Hannah Javier

Haha! Only 55 days to decide! Good thing you said yes! Many Filipinas dreamed of finding a foreign husband. But you were blessed to have one who loved you and took real good care of you. Your story makes me feel excited for the good things that will be given to me by God in the future. More stories!!

Agnes Tierney

Dear Barb Whitmee
God is good. He blessed my decision and strengthen me to survive the obstacles.
I was blissfully married for nearly twenty years to my Aussie husband before He went to the Lord. And I am enjoying the legacy He left me as a WWII veteran.

Agnes Tierney

Thank you Linda for reading my story. "Promoted to glory" is death of a Christian. I borrowed the terminology from the Salvation Army. "I missed your boat" is similar to "I missed the last trip." During my time (75 years ago), 45 years old is the last chance to get married. Hence, "The last trip."
Thank you again.

Linda

"Promoted to glory" does that mean he died and you now have your life back, without him? I am confused by your terminology and word usage in your story. sorry - I missed your boat.

Agnes Tierney

Thank you Glo, David and Luz for your comments, encouraging word and word of wisdom. Very inspiring

Luz Besanes Press

It is a great story so encouraging that when there is a problem in the relationship anybody can ask for counselling to help settle the individual differences. After all, we are but just human who can commit mistakes but when our attitudes are right, then things are possible - problems can be solved.

David Barton

What a huge step Agnes, and, on top of that, language and cultural difference. Fortunately there are many married women in this country from the Phillipines, and, arouond here they seem to have a good and close network. Well written and more happiiness to come I believe.

Gloria Q. Caccam

I love your short story, Agnes. I it is a preface to to what you wrote in our high school homecoming program about your life in the bush with your nature-loving husband.
I told your story to another Australian who had married my widowed niece, He was
touched and resolved that he will give my niece a similar life-changing experience. They have been traveling to many places in Australia and Tasmania in a camper and enjoying the great outdoors-something my sheltered niece had never dreamed of doing in her lifetime.
I wish I had met your husband, Agnes. I'd like to thank him for making you happy
in your" last trip"

Barb Whitmee

A very brave decision Agnes.
I wish you all the best.

Agnes Tierney

Thank you ABC for the free Workshop.
And thank you Jeff License for your help and patience. You are great.